A TEACHER who overcame childhood speech struggles has collected the British Empire Medal for his services to raising awareness of stammering.

The honour was presented to Adam Black during a ceremony at East Renfrewshire Council’s headquarters this week.

Mr Black publicises his own experiences to help ensure fellow sufferers, particularly children, can feel confident and pursue their aspirations.

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He enrolled on the intensive McGuire Programme therapy course in March 2007, which focuses on a different way of breathing when speaking.

This allowed him to get his stutter under control and pursue a teaching career.

Since 2008, Mr Black has been running a support group where people in similar situations can share their experiences and work on ways of coping with their disability.

In addition, he recently worked with BBC’s The Social to produce a short film that aims to normalise stammering and raise further awareness.

Mr Black, from Eaglesham, said: “I am honoured and extremely proud to be presented with a British Empire Medal.

“I hope that I can continue to raise awareness of stammering and encourage others to embrace their stutter for many years to come.”

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Provost Jim Fletcher added: “I am delighted that an East Renfrewshire resident who has helped improve the lives of many young people living with a stammer has been recognised with the prestigious British Empire Medal.

“Speech fluency affects people from every culture, status and age group and Adam’s work to help others embrace stammering is incredibly vital.”

Mr Black, who will begin a new role with the communication support service at Williamwood High School, in Clarkston, this month, was presented with the BEM by the Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Colonel Peter McCarthy.